National Museum of Cultures Receives Donation from Cyprus

More than a hundred ethnographic, archaeological and historic pieces from the Republic of Cyprus, as well as compact discs and books that give account of culture in that nation, were donated to the National Museum of Cultures (MNC) to be included in the halls that to present undergo remodeling, which did not count on with Cypriot items.

The donation will enrich mainly the Ancient Cultures Collection of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) precinct, integrated until now with pieces from Greece, North Africa and Arab countries.

Among donated pieces outstands a historical map from the 19th century that illustrates the 3rd journey of Saint Paul through Cyprus, one of the most important points of the trips he carried on during the early 1st century to convert inhabitants.

Other pieces donated are 4 replicas of cruciform idols dated from 3000-2500 BC, as well as 2 silver reliefs that represent Saint George. From ethnographic objects, 4 traditional garments from different parts of the island outstand, 2 women’s, from Phafos and Nicosia, and 2 men’s.

The official donation act took place at the National Museum of Cultures, with the presence of the Ambassador of Cypriot Republic, Vasilis Philippou, who handed over the objects to Leonel Duran and Luis Felipe Crespo, director and sub director of the museum.

Vasilis Philippou remarked his interest to fulfill his diplomatic task in Mexico; delivering these objects is part of it, considering the importance of the exhibition of Cypriot objects at the National Museum of Cultures for the good relations between both countries. The diplomatic pointed out that it is an opportunity for Mexican public to discover history, writing and religion of his nation.

In his opportunity, and in the name of Alfonso de Maria y Campos, general director of INAH, Leonel Duran thanked the sign of friendship from Ambassador Philippou. “This donation confirms that the National Museum of Cultures has a key role in cultural relations of Mexico with other fellow countries, generating a spirit of international communication, cooperation and exchange”.

Duran recalled that during the restructuring process of MNC, a complete conceptual revision has been carried out, representing Mediterranean Civilizations in an integral way, a perspective that the prior museography lacked.

The MNC director mentioned that the heap of the museum is integrated by 17,000 objects, which places it between the largest ethnographical collections in Mexico. The fact that most of these objects have been donated by fellow countries to Mexico gives account of the good relations kept with other nations.

Other important pieces donated by Cyprus are an amphora decorated with a bird dated from 850-700 BC, representative of Classic Greece pieces; a Virgin and Christ icon; a flute; a small ceramic bowl decorated with 2 women and an archaeological symbol manufactured in silver.

The collection includes several books about history and religion in Cyprus, a literature magazine and 3 compact discs.